‘We can’t depend on the government’: Mutual aid groups work to fill needs for immigrant communities after Ida
With FEMA cash aid limited to certain groups, grassroots organizations have mobilized to fill unmet needs.
Category: Government & Politics
Council committee advances several accountability measures related to Entergy and Hurricane Ida
Among the measures was one calling for a study of Entergy New Orleans ownership and control. All items will have to go before the full council.
Ineligible for federal aid, ‘unqualified’ immigrants in disaster zone face enormous barriers to recovery
FEMA provides cash aid only to citizens and ‘qualified immigrants,’ a category that doesn’t include undocumented people, many on temporary visas or DACA recipients.
Hurricane Ida revealed Entergy’s misplaced investments, critics say
A lack of investment in hardening the grid and the unfulfilled promises of a new gas plant leave regulators asking whether the utility should have done more.
‘Do I even qualify?’: Deadline looms for $500 FEMA aid following Ida
The deadline for Louisiana residents impacted by Hurricane Ida to apply for Critical Needs Assistance from FEMA is Wednesday, Sept. 22. But applicants’ experiences have varied widely, leaving many to wonder what makes someone eligible for the aid.
Councilwoman announces storm outages investigation, study on alternatives to Entergy monopoly power
A coalition of environmental and consumer advocates also filed a motion with the council this week calling for new accountability measures, some of which overlap with Moreno’s proposals.
RTA Union president alleges retaliatory firing over hurricane hazard pay
Valerie Jefferson says she was fired after asking about an agreement the union inked with the agency for hurricane pay. The RTA denies she was fired for her advocacy and says RTA workers will get the extra pay.
City collected more than $460,000 through expired FQ sales tax, but won’t be able to spend it
City officials are not yet sure what will happen to the erroneously collected money.
As initial FEMA deadline approaches, some applicants describe trouble getting evacuation aid
For urgent needs following Hurricane Ida and the subsequent power outage in Louisiana, applicants must register for FEMA assistance by this Sunday, Sept 12. FEMA officials have said that extended power outages should qualify people for evacuation assistance.
Housing advocates: Weak renter protections can result in ‘life-endangering crisis’ after damaging storms
A ‘Healthy Homes Ordinance’ considered by the New Orleans City Council in 2015 and 2017 went nowhere following criticism, legal concerns.
